NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Things We Learned from Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets

That was close. Too close.

After the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly escaped the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs, many were left questioning their passion, energy and competitiveness. They faced a young, tough Denver Nuggets team led by one of the league's best coaches, George Karl.

Following Andrew Bynum's remarks on close-out games being easy (via ESPN), the Nuggets played two of their most complete games of the season, forcing a 3-1 series lead into a Game 7.

While the Lakers advanced behind Kobe Bryant's play and the return of Metta World Peace, there are still many questions looking ahead to the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a favorite amongst many to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Here are the five things we learned from the Lakers-Nuggets series.

1. The Importance of Metta World Peace

World Peace's elbow to Sixth Man of the Year James Harden led to his 7-game suspension following the Laker's come from behind victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 22. 

There is no doubt that the Lakers missed not only his scoring, but his energy and passion on the court on a nightly basis. As Kobe said (via the Sporting News), “He’s the one guy that I can rely on night in and night out to compete and play hard and play with that sense of urgency and no fear,’’

During the month of April, World Peace was playing some of his best basketball, averaging 14.1 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting. His intangibles are what the Lakers needed most though.

While fans consistently question the passion and maturity of center Andrew Bynum, there is no doubt that World Peace understands his role and his importance to the team. His hustle and intensity can be summed up in one play. World Peace wasn't anywhere near the ball, but he dove for the ball anyway, showing his refusal to give up and play soft. This is the sort of play the Lakers need nightly if they want any shot of taking down the Thunder.

2. Home-Court Advantage

Since 2008, home teams are 9-3 in Game 7's. Teams fight hard all year long for high seeds to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. The Lakers won their last championship in a Game 7 at home, and were able to fight past the tenacious Nuggets on their home floor at Staples Center.

In Game 6, the Nuggets embarrassed the Lakers, who shot 28.6 percent from three-point range, while the Nuggets shot a stellar 50 percent. The Nuggets were fueled by the crowd and playing on their home floor. In Game 7, the Lakers were able to capitalize on playing in their building and able to advance to the next round.

Home court will definitely play a key part in the Lakers-Thunder series, as well as the rest of the NBA playoffs.

3. Guarding Point Guards Is Still a Challenge

Ty Lawson was the star for the Nuggets, who dominated the Lakers on a nightly basis, averaging 19 points per game and six assists per game during the series.

Now, the Lakers will have to face an even tougher test in Russell Westbrook, who is just as fast as Lawson and is a better shooter. In three games vs. the Lakers this season, Westbrook averaged 23 points per game and seven assists. 

The Lakers will need to find a way to guard the point guard position better, or else the Thunder will run down the court and control the tempo of the game. The Lakers are at their best when they play a half-court game, pounding the rock inside with their big men Pau Gasol and Bynum. However, if they can't manage to keep Westbrook under control, this could be a short series.

We already saw what happened in Game 1. The Lakers must fix this problem before it's too late.

4. The Power of Andrew Bynum

The biggest X-factor all season long for the Lakers has been the play of All-Star center Andrew Bynum. Bynum has been under the microscope all season long with his lackadaisical attitude. At just 24 years of age, the Lakers big man has already won two championships, but his immaturity is questionable. 

If the Lakers want any chance of defeating the Thunder, it will come down to Bynum playing like the beast he's been all season long. In Game 1 vs. the Nuggets, Bynum recorded a triple-double, with the highlight being his 10 blocks. 

If Bynum can play strong defense and control the boards against Ibaka and Perkins, the Lakers have a chance to win. However, if Bynum doesn't show up, similar to Game 5, the Lakers will be out just as quick as last year's second-round sweep to Dallas.

5. Reliance on Three-Point Shooting

In the playoffs, three-point shooting can not only change the score, but it can change the dynamic of the game as a whole. Five games of the seven were won by the team that shot better from three-point range, with the biggest difference coming in the Game 6 Nugget victory.

In Game 7, the Lakers met the challenge, shooting 45.8 percent while the Nuggets shot 26.9 percent. The Lakers will need to rely on the shooting of Metta World Peace, Steve Blake and the rest of the bench in order to win. 

In 30 minutes of playing time, Blake shot 5-of-6 from three, scoring 19 points off the bench for the Lakers. The Lakers will need this type of dominance from Blake and the rest of the team from three to beat the Thunder.